Reservoirs and their associated dams affect aquatic and riparian environments along their tail waters. Variable flows, low flows, and the loss of spring time flushing flows can have negative effects on aquatic environments below reservoirs. Minimum reservoir releases are used within the Platte River Basin to benefit downstream aquatic and riparian habitats
Within the Pathfinder to Guernsey subbasin minimum release requirements have been placed on Pathfinder Dam, Gray Reef Dam, and Glendo Dam. Information regarding these dams is summarized in the following table. Click here to view a map of the locations of all five Platte River Basin minimum reservoir release sites.
Summary - Minimum Reservoir Releases,
Pathfinder to Guernsey subbasin
| Name |
Owner |
Minimum reservoir release (cubic feet per second) |
Applicable regulation |
| Pathfinder Dam |
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation |
75 |
Voluntary low flow release for trout fisheries |
| Gray Reef Dam |
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation |
330 |
U.S. Public Law 85-695 (72 Statute 687), Missouri Basin Project |
| Glendo Dam |
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation |
25 |
Voluntary low flow release for fisheries + wetlands |
|
